Jay-Z -- Big Ups to the REAL Magna Carta

Who's bigger ... Jay-Z or the Magna Carta -- the historic document that eventually gave Americans "certain inalienable rights" -- not his new album?

It's a toss up, but yeah ... Jigga paid his respects during a Sunday visit with the real-life Magna Carta -- the 13th Century document written in England, and forced upon King John in order to provide liberties and justice for all ... and stuff.

Jay-Z posed next to the MC in the Salisbury, England cathedral where it's kept under lock and key.

Now, if he can just find the Holy Grail.

FUN FACT: The Magna Carta is the basis for the U.S. Constitution, and therefore most of our laws. But here's the thing -- do you remember what year the Magna Carta was signed?